By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

SEIZED. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents assess the illegal drugs and other evidence seized from two suspects during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Lower Matumbo, Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2024). The seized drugs have an estimated street value of PHP6.8 million. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)

MANILA – Authorities arrested two persons on Christmas Day in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu and seized PHP6.8 million worth of shabu, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported Friday.

In a statement, PDEA said the suspects, known as alias Jesson, 30, and his nephew, alias John, 26, were arrested during a buy-bust operation around 3:50 p.m. Wednesday at Sitio Lower Matumbo in Barangay Pusok.

Authorities confiscated around one kilo of shabu, buy-bust money, a smart phone, and other non-drug evidence.

Another suspect, a certain Rasheed, was able to elude arrest.

Evidence seized in both operations has been submitted to the Philippine National Police’s Forensic Unit 7 for chemical analysis.

The suspects face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)